November 12, 2012—Noting that building projects at healthcare facilities need to be planned and managed to minimize the potential risks from a range of pollutants, including mold and legionella, the ACE Group has released an environmental advisory titled Legionella and Mold: Construction and Renovation Risks at Healthcare Facilities .
According to the international multiline property and casualty insurers group, the advisory examines ways to help mitigate mold, legionella and other health risks to patients, and suggests why healthcare facilities should consider a comprehensive, proactive approach to maintenance and planning for construction projects to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of high quality and safe care.
The advisory also discusses insurance considerations for hospitals and healthcare facilities. According to Steve Piatkowski, vice president of ACE Environmental Risk, “Healthcare-specific premises pollution insurance products provide coverage for a variety of risks as well as assistance in managing a crisis, should one occur.”
Jack Frost, also part of the ACE Environmental Risk team, added, “Due to the dangers posed by mold and legionella, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers [is] expected to release new standards this year. Healthcare facility managers need to know what to expect and what they need to do to be in conformance.”
